Habitat looking for family for new Norwood home

Whats needed now is a partner family interested in owning a new home built by volunteers from Racquette Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The agency purchased a parcel on Cottage Street, Norwood, and would like to start building by mid-June, but so far only two applicants have applied for the home.

Wed like to get four or five applicants, said Vice President JoAnne M. Fassinger, Canton. The more applicants the better. We know there is a need.

After a home on the parcel burned, the village of Norwood took ownership of the property and later sold it to habitat.

Its in a nice, quiet neighborhood, Ms. Fassinger said. We wont break ground until we have a family.

The homes are available to St. Lawrence County families or individual who meet income guidelines and can show they have enough income to make the monthly mortgage payment. Volunteer labor and donated building materials help keep down the cost and partner families are provided with no-interest mortgages.

Partner families are also required to provide at least 500 hours of sweat equity either building their own house or helping with another habitat project.

Its not a charity, said Cynthia J. Atkins, chair of the chapters family support and selection committee. Its a partnership that gets people involved in building their own house. These homes have made a difference in peoples lives, theyve made a difference in kids lives.

Families who are unable to meet the income and credit history requirements of banks often qualify for a habitat house.

We try to give it to people with the most need, Ms. Atkins said, noting that any St. Lawrence County resident is eligible for the Norwood site.

Giving an example of eligible income levels, a four-person family can earn up to $46,150 a year.

Most of the habitat homes are ranch-style, about 1,100 square-feet, with three-bedrooms and one bathroom. The price range is roughly $70,000. Volunteers from the local chapter are joined by college students from St. Lawrence Universitys habitat chapter and SUNY Cantons habitat chapter.

Ms. Atkins and Ms. Fassinger said the students are anxious to start a building project.

Theyre not fundraisers, they want to be building something, Ms. Fassinger said.

This year for the first time, the chapter is working with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development program. The federal agency is reviewing financial information provided by applicants and will hold the mortgage to the home.

The U.S.D.A. takes us out of the mortgage business, Ms. Atkins said. They also help people set up a financial plan and financial goals. Its easy to partner with them because they have the same criteria.

Since the Racquette Family chapter was started in 1989, volunteers have rehabilitated 25 homes and constructed 14 new homes in various St. Lawrence County communities including Norfolk, Parishville, Canton, Massena, Norwood, and Rensselaer Falls.

For more information about how to apply or volunteer, please call the organizations cell phone at 244-1335. The group is in the process of updating its website and hopes it will be online by the end of April.

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